Flying is one of the safest means of transportation in the world. However, many people are afraid of flying because they feel out of control when they are in the air. If you are one of those people, don’t worry – you’re not alone! In this blog post, I will discuss tips to help you overcome your fear of flying and make your next trip a safer and more enjoyable experience.
What is aviophobia?
Aviophobia is the fear of flying and is also sometimes referred to as flight phobia, aerophobia, or flight anxiety.
The fear of flying is a common phobia that can cause significant anxiety and stress for those who suffer from it. Symptoms of aviophobia can include feeling anxious or panicked when thinking about flying, avoiding flying altogether, or having a panic attack during or after a flight. If you have aviophobia, you may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and heart palpitations.
While it is natural to feel some anxiety when flying, especially if you have never done it before, aviophobia is a more extreme fear that can impact your quality of life. If you have aviophobia, you may avoid flying altogether, which can limit your travel options and prevent you from taking vacations or visiting family and friends.
What causes aviophobia?
There is no one single cause of aviophobia, but it is often a combination of factors. For some people, a bad experience on a flight can trigger aviophobia. Others may have a fear of heights or be anxious about being in a confined space. Some people may also have a general fear of the unknown or be worried about things that they cannot control, such as the weather or the plane’s mechanical systems.
According to a study published in the journal Psychiatry Research, around 6.5% of the population suffers from aviophobia. This means that approximately one in every fifteen people has a desperate fear of flying.
Women are more likely to suffer from aviophobia than men, and it is most common in young adults.
Is this fear of flying justified?
Unfortunately every once in a while there is a plane accident, and then the news dominates the global news cycle for several days. So it is natural that this would cause people to be more fearful of flying.
But the data shows that flying is actually a very safe means of transportation. In fact, you are more likely to die from a car accident than a plane crash.
According to the National Safety Council, your odds of dying in a car accident are about one in six thousand.
In contrast, your odds of dying in a plane crash are about one in eleven million.
This means that you are about 2000 times more likely to die in a car accident than a plane crash.
So, while it is understandable that people may be scared to fly, the data shows that there is no need to be. Flying is actually a very safe way to travel.
Some interesting statistics:
- 98.6% of place crashes or accidents do not result in a fatality.
- Between 2012 and 2016 there were 140 plane accidents, but of these only two involved fatalities (1.4%).
Tips to control your fear of flying
Now that we have established that flying is a safe means of transportation, let’s discuss some tips that can help you control your fear of flying.
Talk to someone who has a similar fear. It can be helpful to talk to someone who has a similar fear or has overcome their fear of flying. This can help you realize that you are not alone in your fear and that it is possible to overcome it.
Educate yourself about flying. One of the best ways to control your fear of flying is to educate yourself about the safety measures that are in place. Airlines take many precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers, and understanding these measures can help you feel more at ease when you travel.
For example, did you know that all commercial aircraft are equipped with multiple redundancies in their systems? This means that if one system fails, there is another system in place to take its place.
Use relaxation techniques. When you feel your anxiety start to rise, there are some relaxation techniques that you can use to help calm yourself. For example, you can listen to calming music, try deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
Speak to a therapist. If your fear of flying is impacting your quality of life, it may be helpful to speak to a therapist. They can help you understand and manage your anxiety in a more holistic way. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders.
Final Thoughts
Whatever the cause, aviophobia can be a debilitating fear that prevents you from enjoying flying. If you have aviophobia, there are treatments that can help you overcome your fear and get back in the air. With a little bit of effort, you can return to flying and once more get out there to see our beautiful world.